Huge demand for sandalwood at Forest Department's Walayar depot

Palakkad: Huge demand was observed for the sandalwood sold through the forest department's timber depot at Walayar. Just three months ago, a retail outlet was opened here. It is one of the six sandalwood sale centres in Kerala and the second in the Malabar region. Approximately Rs 25 lakhs worth of sandalwood have been traded so far.

Apart from neighbouring districts, many people from bordering areas like Tamil Nadu have also shown interest in purchasing sandalwoods. It was also revealed that not just people but many religious places are also buying these sandalwood.
 
Currently, Walayar Depot has opened the sale of three types of sandalwood without additional cost. Ghotla 4 is priced at Rs 22,087 per kg. Bagardad 6 is priced at Rs 17,478 and sap wood at Rs 1,699, with 25 percent tax. Reports suggest that a proportionate change will be seen in the price of sandalwood auctioned in Marayoor.
 
A maximum of one kilogram of sandalwood will be allotted to persons and based on their needs, these woods will be provided to religious and licensed institutions. Those purchasing have to produce PAN card and Aadhar card. On the other hand, religious places will have to submit a formal letter from the temple committee and the licence of the institution. 
 
The amount has to be transferred to the e-treasury. Wayalar Timber Depot contact number: 0491- 2863075, 8547602118.